Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
01/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/18/2026 22:46
LAU TOURISM SCOPING MISSION CONCLUDES FOLLOWING...
The 56-member delegation of the Lau Tourism Scoping Mission arrived back in Suva at 6.30pm on Sunday, 18 January, concluding a comprehensive, multi-agency mission across the Lau Group.
Prior to returning to Suva, the delegation's final stop was on Vanua Balavu. The team visited Daliconi Village and undertook a sightseeing visit to the renowned Qilaqila Bay of Islands and Nabavatu Island. A technical site inspection of the Vanua Balavu Airstrip was also conducted as part of ongoing assessments of aviation access and infrastructure. During the visit to Daliconi Village, a Starlink satellite connectivity kit was officially handed over and installed, enhancing digital connectivity for the community.
A significant and emotional moment of the visit was the wreath-laying ceremony at the burial site of the Late Prime Minister and Tui Kuboca, Hon. Laisenia Qarase. The wreath was laid jointly by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, Mr Dirk Wagener. Following the ceremony, the delegation was hosted to lunch by Mrs Leba Qarase at her residence in Mavana Village.
The mission concluded with a final stop at Lomaloma Village before the delegation departed for Suva.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation extends its sincere appreciation to all participating partners, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, Mr Dirk Wagener and team; the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Mr Solomon Kantha and team; the United Nations Development Programme, represented by Ms Tuya Altangerel and team; the iTaukei Trust Fund Chief Executive Officer, Mr Aisake Taito; the Fiji Navy Hydrographic Team; Conservation International; the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development; the iTaukei Land Trust Board; the Ministry of Health; and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
The Ministry also acknowledges the captain and crew of the MV Veivueti for their exceptional professionalism and commitment in safely transporting the delegation throughout the Lau Group.
The Lau Tourism Scoping Mission reflects the Government's commitment to coordinated, evidence-based planning to advance sustainable tourism development, improved connectivity, and strengthened service delivery in Fiji's outer islands.
Prior to returning to Suva, the delegation's final stop was on Vanua Balavu. The team visited Daliconi Village and undertook a sightseeing visit to the renowned Qilaqila Bay of Islands and Nabavatu Island. A technical site inspection of the Vanua Balavu Airstrip was also conducted as part of ongoing assessments of aviation access and infrastructure. During the visit to Daliconi Village, a Starlink satellite connectivity kit was officially handed over and installed, enhancing digital connectivity for the community.
A significant and emotional moment of the visit was the wreath-laying ceremony at the burial site of the Late Prime Minister and Tui Kuboca, Hon. Laisenia Qarase. The wreath was laid jointly by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, Mr Dirk Wagener. Following the ceremony, the delegation was hosted to lunch by Mrs Leba Qarase at her residence in Mavana Village.
The mission concluded with a final stop at Lomaloma Village before the delegation departed for Suva.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation extends its sincere appreciation to all participating partners, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Pacific, Mr Dirk Wagener and team; the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Mr Solomon Kantha and team; the United Nations Development Programme, represented by Ms Tuya Altangerel and team; the iTaukei Trust Fund Chief Executive Officer, Mr Aisake Taito; the Fiji Navy Hydrographic Team; Conservation International; the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development; the iTaukei Land Trust Board; the Ministry of Health; and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
The Ministry also acknowledges the captain and crew of the MV Veivueti for their exceptional professionalism and commitment in safely transporting the delegation throughout the Lau Group.
The Lau Tourism Scoping Mission reflects the Government's commitment to coordinated, evidence-based planning to advance sustainable tourism development, improved connectivity, and strengthened service delivery in Fiji's outer islands.
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